Schalke capture Varela

FC Schalke 04 have signed their second Uruguayan international in a week with the purchase of FIFA World Cup player Gustavo Varela.

Four-year deal
The midfield player has joined the 1. Bundesliga side from Club Nacional de Football on a contract which runs until 30 June 2006, but Schalke have not released any details of the fee paid. "Varela can play in several positions in midfield," said Schalke coach Frank Neubarth. "He is very fast and highly skilful."

'Spectacular new signings'
Varela follows countryman Dario Rodríguez into the AufSchalke Arena after agreeing a four-year contract. Rodríguez joined last Friday for a fee of around €4m from Club Atlético Peñarol. "I promised two spectacular new signings," added Schalke general manager Rudi Assauer. "Now we have them."

World Cup experience
The 24-year-old Varela was a member of Uruguay's squad for the FIFA World Cup finals, and Schalke supporters may have the chance to see him in action in Sunday's league game against Hertha BSC Berlin. The midfield player has already been registered with the 1. Bundesliga and has been given the No10 shirt to wear for the remainder of the season.